Startup 3D-Prints Eels For Singapore

An Israeli startup is to develop 3D-printed eel with a company in Singapore, the only country in the world where cultivated meat has regulatory approval.

Steakholder Foods say the first product, which will mimic the flaky texture of cooked fish, should be completed within the coming months.

Its bio-printing technology and bio-inks will be customized for the Singaporean cultivated seafood company Umami Meats to produce eels and grouper fish.

The initiative will be funded with a $1 million grant from the Singapore Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD), which is a cooperation between the Israel Innovation Authority, and a Singaporean government agency to create and grow joint R&D collaboration between the two countries. 

“Industry collaborations are a critical aspect of our long-term business strategy,” said Yair Ayalon, VP of Business Development at Steakholder Foods. 

“Our partnership with Umami Meats is especially meaningful following our recent patent application for fish texture and because it is being supported by a joint Israeli/Singaporean government initiative of which we are very proud to be a part.”

Mihir Pershad, CEO and Founder at Umami Meats, said: “We are thrilled to be combining our deep knowledge and experience in cultivated seafood with Steakholder Foods’ innovative 3D bio-printing technology.

“We believe this partnership will help us advance our vision of a new, more sustainable food system for preserving our marine ecosystems while delivering exceptional, high quality seafood to meet growing consumer demand.”

Steakholder Foods was founded in 2019, and is based in Rehovot, central Israel. It develops a variety of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood products, both as raw materials and as whole cuts.